Staff Picks: Springtime Edition

Have a free afternoon? Go see some art! The Art21 staff presents a selection of our favorite films and exhibitions in New York.

“I really enjoyed the Unfinished Conversations show at MoMA—it’s small but packs a punch and I found it refreshing how head-on it presented issues of violence, protest, exploitation, and surveillance.

Also, finally listened to S-Town and I think we’ve reached peak podcast storytelling, even though I’m still wrapping my mind around what it was about. Also loved Hannah Black’s performance OR LIFE OR at PS1—poetic, intense, and emotional.”

—Danielle Brock, Office CoordinatorUnfinished Conversations is on view through July 30

“I want to recommend Keltie Ferris’ new show at Mitchell-Innes & Nash. Her painting just keeps getting better and these body print works reminded me in some ways of David Hammons’ work, although Ferris specifically utilizes gestures that explore a range of emotion, and seems to purposefully play with gender classification here. Beautiful exhibition.”

“We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965–85 at the Brooklyn Museum is a must-see. It’s more important than ever to learn from the successes and failures of past political movements so that we can generate future social change without leaving anyone out.”

“Really enjoyed this animated film, My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea, at Metrograph by director Dash Shaw, lead animator Jane Samborski, and featuring some very recognizable voices. Quirky, dark humor, and beautiful animation. Rotten Tomatoes gives a good description: ‘dream-like mixed media animation style that incorporates drawings, paintings and collage.'”

—Maggie Albert, Associate Director of Development and External ​Relations​
Playing through April 27

“The Met’s Age of Empires is a stunning exhibition of new artifacts that have been discovered over the past fifty years in China. It was really inspiring to see the different styles and shapes of these artifacts—they gave me a lot of new ideas in my own work. The exhibition showcases not only the glorious past of China, but also reflects the rich culture that contributed to the China I know and am proud of today!”

—Zhiwei Chen, Digital Media Intern
On view through July 16

“Aki Sasamoto has a few performances remaining in her dynamic show at The Kitchen. Happening on Thursday and Saturday eves!

And if you were ever curious about the work Allan McCollum made in his first few years as an artist, there is still the chance to see a group of this work at Petzel Gallery uptown.”

“Art of the Real is a unique opportunity to view some of the most vital and innovative voices in nonfiction and hybrid filmmaking today. Featuring established figures such as Laura Poitras, Ignacio Agüero and the late Michael Glawogger alongside emerging talents such as Theo Anthony (Rat Film), Salomé Jashi (The Dazzling Light of Sunset), as well as a tribute to the late Brazilian filmmaker Andrea Tonacci.”

—Tiffany Fung, Development Intern
Playing through May 2

Is there an exhibition or artwork you’ve fallen in love with recently?
Leave your own pick in the comments below!